Name: Viewing for John Hubisz
Start: 2018-03-13T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-03-13T18:15:00.000Z
Location: St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church

John Lawrence Hubisz

June 6, 1938 - March 6, 2018

Fuquay Varina

John Lawrence Hubisz, 79, of Fuquay Varina, NC, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 06, 2018.

John was born June 6, 1938 in Salem, MA to the late John Lawrence Hubisz, Sr, and Mary Agnes Fleming Hubisz. He joined the NC State Department of Physics in 1993 as a visiting physics professor, recently retired.

Professor Hubisz received his PhD in 1968 from York University and the Centre for Research in Experimental Space Science, Toronto, Ontario.

At NCSU, his research centered on physics education. Along with Professor Gould, he carried out a study of errors in middle school science texts, which was covered by the NY Times, USA Today, and Reader's Digest, in addition to other news media in the U.S. and abroad. In connection with this work, he was interviewed by ABC, CBS, NBC, and the Fox network.

He was president of the American Association of Physics Teachers in 2001; was named Hewlett Fellow, 1997-1999; and received the NC State Alumni Outstanding Extension and Outreach Award in 2004. He was professor emeritus from College of the Mainland, Texas City, Texas after teaching physics there from 1970-1992.

John was ordained as a deacon on June 14, 1975, and was the longest serving deacon in the Raleigh Diocese. His most recent service was at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn MacCaffrey; brother, James Hubisz; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Campbell.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jola Griffith Hubisz; daughters: Shelly Hubisz and Francie Seymour (Mike); sons: Myke Hubisz and Billy Hubisz (Donzetta); sisters: Martie Verlander, Mary Fraser; brothers: Joseph, Jan Peter, Jeremy and Jeoff Hubisz; grandchildren: Cory, Joshua, Darian, Sebastian, Nicole and Tisha; great grandchildren, Ember and Josh.

The family will have a viewing for friends and family from 1-2:15pm Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 625 Magdala Place, Apex, NC 27502. A Funeral Mass will follow immediately at 2:30pm. Inurnment in the church columbarium will follow at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.ApexFuneral.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Mar. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hubisz

Sponsored by Apex Funeral Home.

9 Entries

Chris Ulrickson

March 28, 2024

I had the privilege of being a student of Dr. Hubisz in the early 1990's at College of the Mainland in Texas City Texas. There he taught Physics and Astronomy. He was a kind man, who inspired students to learn in his "CRISP" Physics program he set up in the school. The thing that impressed me about Dr. Hubisz was his ability to teach very complex material at a level that everyone in my class could understand. His classroom was unorthodox by conventional standards, but it worked and inspired learning. I found it to be a relief from how other teachers taught. It is one thing to have a degree or multiple degrees and be a teacher. I had a lot of teachers in my life that had a high understanding of a subject, but could not relate their knowledge to students taking a 101 level class that they could understand. Dr. Hubisz exceled in that he was able to teach complex physics at a college freshman level in a down to earth way. In 2019, I found myself in the classroom as a high school teacher. I borrowed learning styles from several teachers including Dr. Hubisz. I tried reaching out to Dr. Hubisz for teaching advise, but he was already gone. I do not think it is possible for anyone who had him as a teacher or knew him at all to forget him, or his dedication to Science and God. The world was blessed by his being here and for those of us who knew him if only for a little while, I am sure he left a positive impression on us all. I know he made a big impression on me. my sincere (Late) Condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. God Bless his soul.

Cathie Tutka

March 13, 2018

Deacon John provided my parents spiritual guidance, fellowship and a sense of community even when my mother was no longer able to leave her home. Those gifts of Deacon John will forever be cherished. In memory of my parents, Ed and Charlotte Bohlig, thank you.

Cathy Ezrailson

March 9, 2018

John was a gentle soul, helpful, intuitive, sharing and a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew and valued him. So sorry for your loss.

Marles Mac McCurdy

March 9, 2018

John was a superb colleague who was fun to work with. He loved teaching physics and did it well. I enjoyed it every time I got to talk with him.

Stephanie Ingle

March 8, 2018

John was my mentor. He is the reason that I became a Physics teacher. He gave me a place, the guidance, and an amazing example to follow in my path to become the teacher and the person that I am today. Although I have not seen him in many years, his influence lives on in my classroom everyday and I still tell stories about him! I thank God for putting Dr. Hubisz in my life. He was just the influence that I needed at that time, transitioning from College to Career, and he helped me find my way. He will be missed!

Robert Wicker

March 8, 2018

I knew John for several years as a fellow physics teacher. I was a really fine person and an excellent instructor. He will be missed.

Nancy Mallian

March 8, 2018

Mrs. Hubisz: It was so special to see John and his dedication and exhibition of faith each Sunday. I have been attending Stations of the Cross on Fridays and when he presided a couple of weeks ago, he provided additional insight and well, just made it an even more special experience. I spoke with him briefly afterwards and expressed my appreciation and now looking back, I was so glad that I did! I even said a few words to him this past Sunday after Mass. As you have probably been hearing from others, he was just such a special, special person! I still have the NC Catholic magazine where he and you were featured a few years ago. I will now treasure that copy and also a testament of the outstanding person that he was and, of course, your insight was a testament of the great team that you were - so many years!! STMM simply will not be the same but we find comfort that he is now living in peace with our loving Lord.

Bill & Kathleen Flanagan

March 7, 2018

Johns genuine friendly smile will be missed by us.

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